Crew deals to acquire second first-round

After selecting Indiana University defender Rich Balchan with its first-round selection (No. 12 overall) at the 2011 MLS SuperDraft, the Columbus Crew made news by acquiring another first-rounder (No. 15 overall) and allocation money in exchange for forward Steven Lenhart. Per club and league policy, no further terms of the deal were disclosed. The Crew then used the 15th pick to select University of Michigan forward Justin Meram.

With its second round selection (No. 28 overall), the Black & Gold tabbed Duke midfielder Cole Grossman. The Crew has one selection remaining, a third rounder (No. 48 overall).

Five of the first eight players selected were members of the University of Akron’s NCAA Men’s College Cup national championship squad, including Ohio natives Kofi Sarkodie (Houston No. 7) and Michael Nanchoff (Vancouver No. 8). University of Louisville defender and Grove City native J.T. Murray was selected by Sporting Kansas City in the second round (No. 32 overall).

More information on the 2011 MLS SuperDraft and the Crew's selections is forthcoming. In the meantime, please visit TheCrew.com and MLSSoccer.com.